Political Information

Type of State:Parliamentary democracy

Type of Government:Bicameral parliament with a 321-seat Senate (315 elected Senators and six non-elected senators-for-life), and a 630-seat Chamber of Deputies (Camera dei Deputati). Prime Minister (generally leader of the majority party or of the majority coalition) appointed by the President and confirmed by Parliament. Council of Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister and approved by the President. Administrative divisions: 20 regions, 5 among them with partial autonomy.